Review
I recently had the pleasure of attending the uproarious production of "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury, and I must say, it was an absolute riot from start to finish. This side-splitting comedy had the audience in stitches throughout, delivering a unique twist on the classic tale of Peter Pan with audience interaction a plenty.
From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear that this was not going to be your typical Peter Pan performance. The set design was intentionally shoddy, with props falling apart and stagehands scrambling to fix the chaos. The attention to detail in creating a deliberately disastrous production was commendable, and it set the tone for the evening perfectly.
The cast of "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" was an absolute delight. Each actor portrayed their character flawlessly, capturing the essence of their roles while simultaneously embracing the comedic mishaps that unfolded on stage. The physical comedy was executed with impeccable timing, and the actors' commitment to their roles was evident in every stumble, fall, and missed cue.
All the cast were standout performances, although Captain Hook had wonderful interactions with the audience, who were loving the attention. Peter Pan’s portrayal of the perpetually forgetful and accident-prone Peter was spot on. The stage hand who had to step in as Peter later in the show was very funny. The casts’ ability to maintain straight faces while causing chaos around them was impressive, and their comedic timing was impeccable. The audience couldn't help but root for them as it seemed all around them was falling apart, even when one of the cast stumbled through his lines and Peter struggled with his flying harness.
The production's use of audience interaction was a stroke of genius. From soliciting volunteers to join the cast to encouraging the audience to participate in the chaos, it created an immersive experience that had everyone engaged and laughing uproariously. The actors' ability to improvise and adapt to the unpredictable responses from the audience was a testament to their talent and quick thinking.
The only minor drawback of the performance was that, at times, the chaos on stage became slightly overwhelming, making it difficult to follow the storyline. And sometime a gag was stretched a bit too far and some of the audience you could see had lost interest. But once we moved on it was easily forgotten. The cast enhanced the comedic effect, and it did not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the show.
The Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury provided an almost full house and although a big theatre with a large stage, the set was compact and cosy for this uproarious production. With excellent acoustics, it ensured that every line and joke landed perfectly, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the hilarity unfolding on stage. Both Adults and Children enjoyed the antics on stage.
In conclusion, "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury was an absolute joy to watch. It is a must-see show for anyone in needs of a good laugh or has had a bad day. The talented cast, cleverly crafted chaos, and with interactive elements made for an unforgettable evening of comedy. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained and leave with aching cheeks from non-stop laughter.
Reviewer Mark Bilsby